Signal Generation System For A Hydrogen Generation System

ABSTRACT

A hydrogen generation method includes generating a driver signal wherein the driver signal is a pulsed DC signal, processing the driver signal to generate a chamber excitation signal and applying the chamber excitation signal to a hydrogen generation chamber to generate hydrogen from a feedstock contained within the chamber wherein the hydrogen generation chamber includes at least one hollow cylindrical anode configured to contain the feedstock, and at least one cathode positioned within the at least one hollow cylindrical anode.

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/091,702, entitled Polyphonic Methods and RelatedApparatus and Arrangements and filed on 15 Dec. 2014, the entirecontents of which is herein incorporated by reference.

This application is a Continuation-in-Part (CIP) of each of thefollowing U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 14/616,851, entitledEnergy Extraction System and Methods and filed on 09 Feb. 2015; Ser. No.14/852,695 entitled Hydrogen Generation System filed on 14 Sep. 2015;Ser. No. 14/852,715 entitled Hydrogen Generation Chamber For A HydrogenGeneration System filed on 14 Sep. 2015; Ser. No. 14/852,732 entitledFeedback Circuit For A Hydrogen Generation System filed on 14 Sep. 2015;Ser. No. 14/852,744 entitled Negative Reactive Circuit For A HydrogenGeneration System filed on 14 Sep. 2015; Ser. No. 14/852,769 entitledPositive Reactive Circuit For A Hydrogen Generation System filed on 14Sep. 2015; and Ser. No. 14/852,785 entitled Signal Generation System ForA Hydrogen Generation System filed on 14 Sep. 2015. The entire contentsof each of these applications are herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to hydrogen generation systems and, moreparticularly, to hydrogen generation systems that use hydrolysis togenerate hydrogen from feedstock.

BACKGROUND

Currently, the majority of the energy consumed by the developed worldhas its origins in fossil fuels. Unfortunately, there are manywell-documented problems associated with over-reliance upon energygenerated from fossil fuels, such as: pollution and climate changecaused by the emission of greenhouse gases: the finite nature of fossilfuels and the dwindling reserves of such carbon-based energy sources;and the concentration of control of petroleum-based energy supplies byvarious volatile countries and OPEC.

Accordingly, there is a need for alternative sources of energy. One suchalternative energy source includes hydrogen generation systems thatproduce hydrogen via hydrolysis. Ideally, such hydrogen generationsystems would be capable of producing hydrogen gas without the presenceof oxygen, wherein such hydrogen may be used for industrial, commercialand residential purposes.

For example, when greater than 99% pure, hydrogen may be used ingenerator cooling, steel production, glass production, and semiconductorand photovoltaic cell production. When less than 99% pure, hydrogen maybe used in various industries, such as the aerospace industry, theanimal feed industry, the automotive industry, the baking industry, thechemical industry, the ethanol industry, the food processing industry,the dairy industry, the meat industry, the manufacturing industry, themedical industry, the hospitality industry, the laundry/uniformindustry, the marine and offshore industry, the military and defenseindustry, the mining industry, the oil and gas industry, thepaper/corrugating industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the rubberindustry, the steel and metals industry, the tobacco industry, thetransportation industry, the wire and cable industry, and the educationindustry.

Unfortunately, there are a number of significant hurdles that preventthe widespread use of hydrogen in commercial, industrial, andresidential applications. These hurdles include cost, efficiency, andsafety. First and foremost, creating hydrogen gas in a traditionalmanner is inefficient and costly, or even environmentally harmful whenproduced via reformation (i.e., the primary commercial method).Secondly, hydrogen's very low mass and energy density makes itchallenging to get enough mass of hydrogen gas safely in one place to beof practical value to a user. The result is that hydrogen has beenprohibitively expensive to produce, compress, cryogenically cool,maintain (at pressure and temperature), contain (due to its very smallmolecule structure), and transport. Accordingly, pressure, temperature,flammability, explosiveness, and low ignition energy requirement are allsignificant safety issues concerning the widespread use of hydrogen.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

In one implementation, a hydrogen generation system includes a signalgeneration system configured to generate a driver signal. A signalprocessing system is configured to process the driver signal andgenerate a chamber excitation signal. A hydrogen generation chamber isconfigured to receive the chamber excitation signal and generatehydrogen from a feedstock contained within the hydrogen generationchamber. The driver signal is a pulsed DC signal.

One or more of the following features may be included. The signalgeneration system may include a pulsed DC source configured to generatea pulsed DC source signal, a mono-directional blocking circuitconfigured to receive the pulsed DC source signal and generate thedriver signal, and a filter circuit configured to filter the driversignal and remove AC components. The mono-directional blocking circuitmay include at least one asymmetrically conductive component. The atleast one asymmetrically conductive component may include a Schottkydiode. The mono-directional blocking circuit may include twoasymmetrically conductive components. The filter circuit may include acapacitor coupled to ground. The driver signal may have a duty cycle ofless than 25%. The driver signal may have a duty cycle between 1% and13%. The driver signal may have a frequency of between 100 hertz and 10kilohertz.

In another implementation, a hydrogen generation system includes asignal generation system configured to generate a driver signal. Asignal processing system is configured to process the driver signal andgenerate a chamber excitation signal. A hydrogen generation chamber isconfigured to receive the chamber excitation signal and generatehydrogen from a feedstock contained within the hydrogen generationchamber. The signal generation system includes: a pulsed DC sourceconfigured to generate a pulsed DC source signal, a mono-directionalblocking circuit configured to receive the pulsed DC source signal andgenerate the driver signal, the mono-directional blocking circuitincluding at least one asymmetrically conductive component, and a filtercircuit configured to filter the driver signal and remove AC components.

One or more of the following features may be included. The at least oneasymmetrically conductive component may include a Schottky diode. Themono-directional blocking circuit may include two asymmetricallyconductive components. The filter circuit may include a capacitorcoupled to ground. The driver signal may have a duty cycle of less than25%. The driver signal may have a duty cycle between 1% and 13%.

In another implementation, a hydrogen generation system includes asignal generation system configured to generate a driver signal. Asignal processing system is configured to process the driver signal andgenerate a chamber excitation signal. A hydrogen generation chamber isconfigured to receive the chamber excitation signal and generatehydrogen from a feedstock contained within the hydrogen generationchamber. The signal generation system includes: a pulsed DC sourceconfigured to generate a pulsed DC source signal, a mono-directionalblocking circuit, including at least one asymmetrically conductivecomponent, configured to receive the pulsed DC source signal andgenerate the driver signal, and a filter circuit, including a capacitorcoupled to ground, configured to filter the driver signal and remove ACcomponents.

One or more of the following features may be included. Themono-directional blocking circuit may include two asymmetricallyconductive components. The driver signal may have a duty cycle of lessthan 25%. The driver signal may have a duty cycle between 1% and 13%.The driver signal may have a frequency of between 100 hertz and 10kilohertz.

In another implementation, a hydrogen generation system includes asignal generation system configured to generate a first driver signal. Aswitching system is configured to process the first driver signal andactivate a power generation system to generate a second driver signal. Asignal processing system is configured to process the second driversignal and generate a chamber excitation signal. A hydrogen generationchamber is configured to receive the chamber excitation signal andgenerate hydrogen from a feedstock contained within the hydrogengeneration chamber. The first driver signal is a pulsed DC signal. Thesecond driver signal is a pulsed DC signal.

One or more of the following features may be added. The switching systemincludes: a power generation system configured to supply power with avoltage that may be different from that of the signal generation system;and a switch that may be activated by the first driver signal to createa second driver signal, the second driver signal having the samefrequency and duty cycle of the first driver signal and voltage of thepower generation system. The first driver signal and second driversignal may have a duty cycle of less than 25%. The first driver signaland second driver signal may have a duty cycle between 1% and 13%. Thefirst driver signal and second driver signal may have a frequency ofbetween 100 hertz and 10 kilohertz.

In another implementation, a hydrogen generation system includes asignal generation system configured to generate a first driver signal. Aselection system is configured to process the first driver signal andactivate a power generation system to generate a succession of one ormore second driver signals. One or more signal processing systems isconfigured to process the one or more second driver signals and generateone or more chamber excitation signals. One or more hydrogen generationchambers is configured to receive the one or more chamber excitationsignals and generate hydrogen from a feedstock contained within the oneor more hydrogen generation chambers. The first driver signal is apulsed DC signal. The one or more second driver signals is a pulsed DCsignal.

One or more of the following features may be added. The selection systemincludes: a counter system configured to receive the first driversignal, increment a counter, generate a counter signal, and reset thecounter system after a fixed number of increments; a power generationsystem configured to supply power with a voltage that may be differentfrom that of the signal generation system; and a demultiplexerconfigured to receive power from a power generation system and anaddressing signal from the counter system and generate a plurality ofone or more second driver signals, the one or more second driver signalshaving the same frequency and duty cycle of the first driver signal andvoltage of the power generation system. The first driver signal andsecond driver signal may have a duty cycle of less than 25%. The firstdriver signal and second driver signal may have a duty cycle between 1%and 13%. The first driver signal and second driver signal may have afrequency of between 100 hertz and 10 kilohertz.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features andadvantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, andthe claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a hydrogen generation system;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a signal generation system includedwithin the hydrogen generation system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a positive reactive circuit includedwithin the hydrogen generation system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of a negative reactive circuit includedwithin the hydrogen generation system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of a feedback circuit included within thehydrogen generation system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of a hydrogen generation chamber includedwithin the hydrogen generation system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of a signal generation system includedwithin the hydrogen generation system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of a signal generation system includedwithin the hydrogen generation system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of multiple generation chambers arrangedin a cylindrical orientation;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of multiple generation chambers arrangedin a rectangular orientation; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a process for generating gas according to anexemplary implementation.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hydrogen GenerationSystem Overview

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown hydrogenation generation system 100.Hydrogen generation system 100 may include signal generation system 102configured to generate a driver signal 104. An example of driver signal104 may include but is not limited to a pulsed DC signal. Driver signal104 may be provided to signal processing system 106, wherein signalprocessing system 106 may be configured to process driver signal 104 andgenerate a chamber excitation signal 108.

Hydrogen generation system 100 may include hydrogen generation chamber110 that may be configured to receive chamber excitation signal 108 andgenerate hydrogen 112 (e.g., gaseous hydrogen) from feedstock 114contained within hydrogen generation chamber 110.

As discussed above, hydrogen 112 produced by hydrogen generation system100 may be used with various industries, such as the aerospace industry,the animal feed industry, the automotive industry, the baking industry,the chemical industry, the ethanol industry, the food processingindustry, the dairy industry, the meat industry, the manufacturingindustry, the medical industry, the hospitality industry, thelaundry/uniform industry, the marine and offshore industry, themilitary, the mining industry, the oil and gas industry, thepaper/corrugating industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the rubberindustry, the steel and metals industry, the tobacco industry, thetransportation industry, the wire and cable industry, and the educationindustry.

As discussed above, hydrogen generation system 100 may generate hydrogen112 (e.g., gaseous hydrogen) from feedstock 114 contained withinhydrogen generation chamber 110. One example of feedstock 114 mayinclude but is not limited to sea water. Accordingly and in certainimplementations, hydrogen generation system 100 may be positionedproximate a source of feedstock 114. Alternatively, feedstock 114 may beprovided to hydrogen generation system 100 via a delivery network, notshown.

Hydrogen generation chamber 110, when filled with an electrolytic fluid(e.g., feedstock 114), may react like a variable capacitive load withcorresponding variable impedance values. When a Pulsed DC signal (e.g.,chamber excitation signal 108) is applied to hydrogen generation chamber110, the result may be a reactive load. Hydrogen generation chamber 110may complete the closed circuit path that forms the load factor duringthe ON Cycle Pulse (OCP) of chamber excitation signal 108.

The electrolytic fluid (e.g., feedstock 114) may change state bothchemically and electronically during the OCP of chamber excitationsignal 108. These changes may affect the charge state of feedstock 114,changing the above-described capacitive and impedance values, which maybe monitored via a differential potential voltage measurement across theanode and cathode of hydrogen generation chamber 110.

Signal processing system 106 may provide impedance matching andcapacitive balancing during the OCP of chamber excitation signal 108.Balancing of signal processing system 106 may accomplish multiplefunctions, including but not limited to lowering reactive circuitcurrent demand while directing chamber excitation signal 108 with agiven base frequency across the electrodes of hydrogen generationchamber 110.

During the OFF Cycle Pulse (OFCP) of chamber excitation signal 108, theinductive and capacitive sections of signal processing system 106 mayreceive energy from hydrogen generation chamber 110 as hydrogengeneration chamber 110 discharges.

Signal Generation System Configuration

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown one implementation of signalgeneration system 102. Signal generation system 102 may include pulsedDC source 200 configured to generate pulsed DC source signal 202. Signalgeneration system 102 may include mono-directional blocking circuit 204configured to receive pulsed DC source signal 202 and generate driversignal 104. Signal generation system 102 may also include filter circuit206 configured to filter driver signal 104 and remove AC components.

Mono-directional blocking circuit 204 may include at least oneasymmetrically conductive component, an example of which includes but isnot limited to a diode (e.g., a Schottky diode), such as a 1N4003G diodeavailable from ON Semiconductor configured to function as blockingdiodes. In a typical configuration, mono-directional blocking circuit204 may include two asymmetrically conductive components 208, 210.Filter circuit 206 may include capacitor 212 coupled to ground 214 thatis sized to remove any undesirable AC signal components. An example ofcapacitor 212 may include a 470 microfarad capacitor available fromMouser Electronics.

One implementation of driver signal 104 generated by signal generationsystem 102 may be a driver signal that has a duty cycle of less than25%. Specifically and in a preferred embodiment, driver signal 104 mayhave a duty cycle between 6.5% and 13%, wherein during 6.5%-13% of thewaveform of driver signal 104, driver signal 104 has an amplitude of 3.3to 60 VDC and during 87%-93.5% of the waveform of driver signal 104,driver signal 104 has an amplitude of 0 VDC. The above-describedimplementations of driver signal 104 are intended to be illustrative andnot all inclusive. Accordingly, these are intended to be merely examplesof the various driver signals that be utilized by signal generationsystem 102.

Operation of the Signal Generation System

Concerning driver signal 104 generated by signal generation system 102,the rise time of driver signal 104 may be critical to the overallfunction and performance of hydrogen generation chamber 110.Accordingly, a rise time as close to instantaneous as possible (e.g., asclose to a truly vertical sweep) may result in the most efficientoperation of hydrogen generation chamber 110. Further, the amplitude ofdriver signal 104 may be increased/decreased to vary the performance ofhydrogen generation chamber 110 and the quantity of hydrogen 112produced.

Signal generation system 102 may be configured to provide foradjustments in the pulse width and/or duty cycle of driver signal 104.Any pulse width and/or duty cycle adjustments may be based on thedesired chamber performance. The timing of the duty cycle of driversignal 104 may establish a base frequency for driver signal 104. In apreferred embodiment, the pulse base frequency of driver signal 104 mayrange from 100 hertz to 10 kilohertz (however, frequencies outside ofthis range may also be utilized).

The diodes (e.g., asymmetrically conductive components 208, 210)utilized in mono-directional blocking circuit 204 may perform severalfunctions. Typically, Schottky diodes have forward biases ofapproximately 1 mA in the range 0.15 to 0.46 volts. This lower forwardvoltage may provide for higher switching speeds and better systemefficiency, wherein Schottky diodes are considered to have essentiallyinstant reverse recovery time.

The two diodes (e.g., asymmetrically conductive components 208, 210) mayprovide a first stage voltage clamp that may enhance rise time andforward current build up, which may be important during each startup ofthe OCP. The blocking diodes (e.g., asymmetrically conductive components208, 210) may provide transient voltage suppression during initialcharging of hydrogen generation chamber 110. This may allow hydrogengeneration chamber 110 to reach full voltage amplitude in the leastamount time.

The two diodes (e.g., asymmetrically conductive components 208, 210) mayalso prevent voltage returned from hydrogen generation chamber 110 frominterfering with pulsed DC source signal 202, thus isolating thedownstream circuit (e.g., signal processing system 106) during the offcycle while the reactive part of this circuit is in the recovery phaseand exposed to a return voltage in the range of 0.90 VDC to 4.5 VDC.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a portion of one implementation ofsignal generation system 102. Signal generation system 102 may includepulsed DC source 200 configured to generate pulsed DC signal 202. Signalgeneration system 102 may include a switching system 230 configured toreceive pulsed DC signal 202 and generate pulse DC signal 236. Signalgeneration system 102 may include may include mono-directional blockingcircuit 204 (as shown in FIG. 2) configured to receive pulsed DC sourcesignal 236 and generate driver signal 104. Signal generation system 102may also include filter circuit 206 (as shown in FIG. 2) configured tofilter driver signal 104 and remove AC components.

Switching system 230 may include at least one power generation system232, an example of which is a separate power bus connected to a powersupply such as a battery, solar panel, or similar power generator. In atypical configuration, power generation system 232 may be configured tosupply voltage from 0 to 60 volts. Switching system 230 may include atleast one switch 234, an examples of which is a transistor, such as2N2222 available from Newark Element 14, 2N7000 MOSFET available fromNewark Element 14, or 55Y5202 DC to DC switch available from NewarkElement 14.

One implementation of pulsed DC source 202 may be a driver signal thathas a duty cycle of less than 25%. Specifically, and in a preferredembodiment, pulsed DC source 202 may have a duty cycle between 1% and13%, wherein during the 1%-13% of the waveform of pulse DC signal 202,pulse DC signal 202 has an amplitude of 3.3 to 60 VDC and during 87%-99%of the waveform, pulse DC signal 202 has an amplitude of 0 VDC. Theabove-described implementations of pulse DC signal 202 are intended tobe illustrative and not all inclusive.

One implementation of pulsed DC signal 236 may be a driver signal thathas a duty cycle identical to that of pulsed DC signal 202. Inparticular, pulsed DC source 236 may be a driver signal that has a dutycycle of less than 25%. Specifically, and in a preferred embodiment,pulsed DC signal 236 may have a duty cycle between 1% and 13%, whereinduring the 1%-13% of the waveform of pulsed DC signal 202, pulse DCsignal 202 has an amplitude of 3.3 to 60 VDC and during 87%-99% of thewaveform, pulse DC signal 202 has an amplitude of 0 VDC. Theabove-described implementations of pulse DC signal 202 are intended tobe illustrative and not all inclusive.

One implementation of signal generation system 102 includes pulsed DCsignal 202 configured as a timer signal to turn switch 234 on and off ata given frequency and with a given duty cycle. Switch 234 is configuredto receive pulsed DC signal 202 and conduct power from power generationsystem 232 by means of pulsed DC signal 236 to monodirectional blockingcircuit 204 (shown in FIG. 2) during the on time of pulsed DC signal202. Switch 234 is thus configured to generate pulsed DC signal 236which has the same frequency and duty cycle as pulsed DC signal 202 andwhich may have a voltage that differs from pulsed DC signal 202. In apreferred embodiment, pulsed DC signal 236 may have a voltage thatranges from 0 to 60 VDC.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a portion of one implementation ofsignal generation system 102. Signal generation system 102 may includepulsed DC source 200 configured to generate pulsed DC signal 202. Signalgeneration system 102 may include a selection system 250 configured toreceive pulsed DC signal 202 and generate a plurality of one or morepulsed DC signals 258. Signal generation system 102 may include mayinclude one or more mono-directional blocking circuit 204 (shown in FIG.2) configured to receive a plurality of one or more pulsed DC signal 258and generate driver signal 104 (shown in FIG. 2). Signal generationsystem 102 may also include one or more filter circuit 206 (shown inFIG. 2) configured to filter driver signal 104 and remove AC components.

Selection system 250 may include at least one power generation system252, an example of which is a separate power bus connected to a powersupply such as a battery, solar panel, or similar power generator. In atypical configuration, power generation system 252 may be configured tosupply voltage from 0 to 60 volts. Selection system 250 may include atleast one counter system 254 configured to receive pulsed DC signal 202and generate a counter signal 255. An example of counter system 254 mayinclude an integrated circuit counter such as Texas Instruments CD4026BEavailable from Newark Element 14. Counter system 254 may be selectedbased on the number of pulsed DC signals 258 desired. Selection system250 may include at least one demultiplexer 256 configured to receivecounter signal 255 and generate a plurality of one of more pulsed DCsignals 258 over one or more output channels 257. An example ofdemultiplexer 256 includes Texas Instruments SN74LS139AN available fromNewark Element 14.

In a preferred embodiment, pulsed DC signal 202 may be a driver signalthat has a frequency from 100 Hz to 100 kHz and a duty cycle of 1% to13%. Counter 254 is configured to received pulsed DC signal 202 andgenerate counter signal 255 which acts as an addressing signal that maycontrol demultiplexer 256. Demultiplexer 256 receives counter signal 255which enables one or more output channels 257, and passes power frompower generation system 252 to one or more mono-direction blockingcircuits 204 (shown in FIG. 2). As a result, the one or more pulsed DCsignals 258 may have the same frequency and duty cycle as pulsed DCsignal 202, and the same voltage as power generation system 252. Themono-directional blocking circuit 204 (shown in FIG. 2) may beconfigured to receive the the one or more pulsed DC signals 258 andgenerate one or more pulsed DC signals 104 (shown in FIG. 2). As aresult, the one or more pulsed DC signals 104 may have the samefrequency and duty cycle as pulsed DC signal 202, and the same voltageas pulsed DC signal 258.

Positive Reactive Circuit Configuration

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown one implementation of signalprocessing system 106, wherein signal processing system 106 is shown toinclude positive reactive circuit 300. Positive reactive circuit 300 maybe coupled to anode 302 of hydrogen generation chamber 110.

In one implementation, positive reactive circuit 300 may includeinductive component 304 and capacitive component 306. One example ofinductive component 304 may include a 10 microhenry inductor availablefrom Mouser Electronics. Inductive component 304 may be in parallel withcapacitive component 306. Capacitive component 306 may be sized based,at least in part, upon one or more physical characteristics of hydrogengeneration chamber 110 (e.g., size, shape, electrode type, configurationand dimensions) and/or one or more physical characteristics of feedstock114 (e.g., feedstock type and contents included therein) containedwithin hydrogen generation chamber 110.

Inductive component 304 may be constructed of (or formed from) severalindividual inductors that may be arranged (in a parallel and/or seriesconfiguration) to achieve the desired inductance value. Additionally(and as will be discussed below), capacitive component 306 may beconstructed of/formed from several individual capacitors that arearranged (in a parallel and/or series configuration) to achieve thedesired capacitive value.

In one implementation, capacitive component 306 may include a pluralityof discrete capacitors. For example, capacitive component 306 mayinclude three discrete capacitors (e.g., capacitors 308, 310, 312)arranged in parallel to form a parallel capacitor circuit. In oneparticular implementation, capacitor 308 may be a 45 microfaradcapacitor available from Mouser Electronics, capacitor 310 may be a 1picofarad capacitor available from Mouser Electronics, and capacitor 312may be a 5 nanofarads capacitor available from Mouser Electronics. Thisparallel capacitor circuit (e.g., the parallel combination of capacitors308, 310, 312) may be coupled in parallel with inductive component 304,wherein the output of the parallel capacitor circuit (e.g., the parallelcombination of capacitors 308, 310, 312) and inductive component 304 maybe provided to anode 302 of hydrogen generation chamber 110.

In this particular implementation, positive reactive circuit 300 may beconfigured as a band-stop filter. As is known in the art and in signalprocessing, a band-stop filter (or band-rejection filter) is a filterthat passes most frequencies unaltered (i.e., unattenuated), whileattenuating those frequencies that are within a defined range. As withany other LC filter, the particular range of frequencies that areattenuated may be defined based upon the value of the capacitors (e.g.,capacitors 308, 310, 312) and inductors (e.g., inductive component 304)included within positive reactive circuit 300.

Negative Reactive Circuit Configuration

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown one implementation of signalprocessing system 106, wherein signal processing system 106 is shown toinclude negative reactive circuit 400. Negative reactive circuit 400 maybe coupled to cathode 402 of hydrogen generation chamber 110.

In one implementation, negative reactive circuit 400 may includeinductive component 404 and capacitive component 406. One example ofinductive component 404 may include a 100 microhenry inductor availablefrom Mouser Electronics. Inductive component 404 may be in parallel withcapacitive component 406. Capacitive component 406 may be sized based,at least in part, upon one or more physical characteristics of hydrogengeneration chamber 110 (e.g., size, shape, electrode type, configurationand dimensions) and/or one or more physical characteristics of feedstock114 (e.g., feedstock type and contents included therein) containedwithin hydrogen generation chamber 110.

Inductive component 404 may be constructed of/formed from severalindividual inductors that may be arranged (in a parallel and/or seriesconfiguration) to achieve the desired inductance value. Additionally(and as will be discussed below), capacitive component 406 may beconstructed of/formed from several individual capacitors that arearranged (in a parallel and/or series configuration) to achieve thedesired capacitive value.

In one implementation, capacitive component 406 may include a pluralityof discrete capacitors. For example, capacitive component 406 mayinclude three discrete capacitors (e.g., capacitors 408, 410, 412)arranged in parallel to form a parallel capacitor circuit. In oneparticular implementation, capacitor 408 may be a 1 microfarad capacitoravailable from Mouser Electronics, capacitor 410 may be a 1 picofaradcapacitor available from Mouser Electronics, and capacitor 412 may be a5 nanofarads capacitor available from Mouser Electronics. This parallelcapacitor circuit (e.g., the parallel combination of capacitors 408,410, 412) may be coupled in parallel with inductive component 404,wherein the output of the parallel capacitor circuit (e.g., the parallelcombination of capacitors 408, 410, 412) and inductive component 304 maybe provided to cathode 402 of hydrogen generation chamber 110.

In this particular implementation, negative reactive circuit 400 may beconfigured as a band-stop filter. As is known in the art and in signalprocessing, a band-stop filter (or band-rejection filter) is a filterthat passes most frequencies unaltered (i.e., unattenuated), whileattenuating those frequencies that are within a defined range. As withany other LC filter, the particular range of frequencies that areattenuated may be defined based upon the value of the capacitors (e.g.,capacitors 408, 410, 412) and inductors (e.g., inductive component 404)included within negative reactive circuit 400.

Feedback Circuit Configuration

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown one implementation of signalprocessing system 106, wherein signal processing system 106 is shown toinclude feedback circuit 500. Feedback circuit 500 may be configured tocouple anode 302 of hydrogen generation chamber 110 to cathode 402 ofhydrogen generation chamber 110.

In one implementation, feedback circuit 500 may include capacitivecomponent 502. Capacitive component 502 may be sized based, at least inpart, upon one or more physical characteristics of hydrogen generationchamber 110 (e.g., size, shape, electrode type, configuration anddimensions) and/or one or more physical characteristics of feedstock 114(e.g., feedstock type and contents included therein) contained withinhydrogen generation chamber 110.

Capacitive component 502 may include two discrete capacitors (e.g.,capacitors 504, 506). In one particular implementation, capacitor 504may be a 1 microfarad capacitor available from Mouser Electronics andcapacitor 506 may be a 1 microfarad capacitor available from MouserElectronics. A first of the discrete capacitors (e.g., capacitor 504)may be coupled to anode 302 of hydrogen generation chamber 110. A secondof the discrete capacitors (e.g., discrete capacitor 506) may be coupledto cathode 402 of hydrogen generation chamber 110.

Feedback circuit 500 may include asymmetrically conductive component508, wherein asymmetrically conductive component 508 may be positionedbetween the two discrete capacitors (e.g., capacitors 504, 506). Oneexample of asymmetrically conductive component 508 may include but isnot limited to a diode (e.g., a light emitting diode), such as aRED/diffused T-1 (3 mm) 696-SSL-LX3044ID available from MouserElectronics.

Operation of the Signal Processing System

Concerning the reactive circuits (e.g., positive reactive circuit 300and negative reactive circuit 400), these circuits may incorporate aninductor in parallel with plurality of capacitors (as discussed above).Upon the initiation of the OCP, these inductors may oppose any rise incurrent. This opposition may be part of the electronic clamp during therise time of the OCP. The capacitors in parallel with the inductor maystart to charge during the rise time of the OCP and provide a path forelectron flow in the direction of hydrogen generation chamber 110.

These capacitors may not be able to overcome the voltage amplitude ofhydrogen generation chamber 110 and, therefore, may not be able todischarge during the OCP time. As these capacitors may be relativelysmall and may reach full charge status during the rise time of OCP andmay remain charged during the duration of the OCP.

The slight opposition to current change (by the inductor) during the OCPrise time may quickly dissipate, wherein the inductor opposes currentchange based upon magnetically induced resistance to the current flow.

Hydrogen generation chamber 110 may function as a load for signalprocessing system 106, wherein hydrogen generation chamber 110 may havea varying internal resistance and a varying voltage amplitude. Hydrogengeneration chamber 110 may behave similarly to an inductive/capacitiveelectronic component, wherein variations may occur based upon varyingelectrolytic conditions that can vary dramatically during the rise timeof the OCP. These varying conditions may continue during the length ofthe duty cycle and may be in the form of a charge ion state triggeringcharging of hydrogen generation chamber 110. The electron density withinhydrogen generation chamber 110 may increase dramatically withinhydrogen generation chamber 110. This electron density may be at itsgreatest at a circumference slightly larger than the outer diameter ofcathode 402.

The ON cycle rise time and duration of the duty cycle may cause amolecular polarity shift within the electrolytic fluid (e.g., feedstock114). This molecular polarity shift may have a correspondingelectromagnetic/electrostatic component. Due to the shape and geometryof hydrogen generation chamber 110 and without a defined electron flowpathway, the electromagnetic component will have a chaoticcharacteristic, wherein this chaotic characteristic may assist in themolecular splitting of gas atoms from the water molecules within theelectrolytic fluid (e.g., feedstock 114) due to a constant molecularcharge imbalance.

The OFF cycle of signal processing system 106 may start at the beginningof the OFCP. The blocking diodes (e.g., asymmetrically conductivecomponents 208, 210) are in the cutoff state which may isolate signalgeneration system 102 from signal processing system 106. A pulsed DCinput base signal set to one kilohertz may reach the cutoff stateone-thousand times per second. During the OFF cycle, the electrolyticfluid (e.g., feedstock 114) in hydrogen generation chamber 110 maychange from a charge state to a reset discharge cycle. During this OFFcycle, all electronic interactions may be energized from energyrecovered (or harvested) from hydrogen generation chamber 110.

The charge amplitude of hydrogen generation chamber 110 may have acharacteristic fast decline from greater than 3.5 VDC to less than 1.4VDC. The decline curve sweep angle may be dependent on the pulsed DCinput frequency and the configuration of the reaction circuits (e.g.,positive reaction circuit 300 and negative reaction circuit 400).

During the cutoff initiation, the first decline sequence to occur is thecollapse of the electron density column surrounding cathode 402. Thishigh density electron column may be held in place by the inducedmagnetic field that is a result of the OCP. This collapse may cause anelectronic flashback (or rapid energy release) from hydrogen generationchamber 110 to the reactive circuit (e.g., positive reaction circuit 300and/or negative reaction circuit 400), which is similar to anelectrostatic discharge and may provide the electrolytic fluid (e.g.,feedstock 114) with a pathway to start a change in state of polarityreleasing additional stored energy.

Once the electron column proximate cathode 402 starts to collapse, thereis a fast rise in potential on negative reactive circuit 402. At thispoint, there may be an imbalance with positive reactive circuit 302. Theinductor within negative reactive circuit 402 may have a rise inpotential imposing an impedance value that may allow the parallelcapacitors to discharge in the opposite direction to the charge stateduring the OCP. This situation may create a latching circuit potentialthrough hydrogen generation chamber 110 as the pathway for electronflow.

The return energy from hydrogen generation chamber 110 may be a DCsignal with embedded AC components, wherein these AC components may berelatively small in amplitude. The AC components may be driven by themolecular polarity shift after the cutoff sequence is initiated and theimbalance of the charge state of hydrogen generation chamber 110. The DCcomponent produced by hydrogen generation chamber 110 may be clamped toswing the AC wave into the positive range.

The capacitors in the reactive circuits (e.g., positive reaction circuit300 and/or negative reaction circuit 400) may charge stabilize after theelectrostatic release from the DC component. The inductors may providetiming sequences and preload for capacitor charge/discharge sequencewhile minimizing circuit resistance at peak input values. The capacitorsmay subsequently discharge under the influence of the AC components. Theresult may be an amplification of the embedded frequency waves providinga charge/discharge cycle at these given frequencies. This sequence maycontinue until the molecular polarity rotation of hydrogen generationchamber 110 is stabilized or the charge imbalance of the reactivecircuit (e.g., positive reaction circuit 300 and/or negative reactioncircuit 400) is diminished.

Feedback circuit 500 may be configured in reverse polarity to signalgeneration system 102 and signal processing system 106. Feedback circuit500 may function as a secondary load to the reset reaction of hydrogengeneration chamber 110. The capacitors (e.g., capacitors 504, 506) offeedback circuit 500 may collect electrons during the electrostaticdischarge cycle, which may then be discharged through the light emittingdiode (i.e., asymmetrically conductive component 508).

Feedback circuit 500 may assist in minimizing the electrostaticdischarge impact on other portions of the reactive circuit (e.g.,positive reaction circuit 300 and/or negative reaction circuit 400),which may result in the regulation of the timing of ON, OFF and Cutoffsequences. The light emitting diode (i.e., asymmetrically conductivecomponent 508) may minimize electrostatic interference, thus assistingin maintaining peak charge amplitudes during the reset sequence ofhydrogen generation chamber 110.

Specifically, the electrostatic charge may find a secondary pathwaythrough the light emitting diode (i.e., asymmetrically conductivecomponent 508). The light emitting diode (e.g., asymmetricallyconductive component 508) may have a characteristic that allows staticelectricity to pass through while minimizing resistive loadcharacteristics. This pathway may help regulate the discharge timingsequence while dissipating the accumulated charge on the capacitors(e.g., capacitors 504, 506). The switching or blocking characteristicsof the light emitting diode (i.e., asymmetrically conductive component508) may also minimizes current loss during the OCP.

Due to the reverse polarity of feedback circuit 500, a portion of therecovered energy may be applied to the riding frequency during the cutoff discharge sequence to assist in increasing the frequency amplitude.Further, the secondary electrostatic charge release may assist in thepercentage of the desired gas output of hydrogen 112. The electrostaticcharge energy may only be recoverable during a given time interval,wherein if the time interval is too long, the electrostatic charge mayinterfere with the proper sequencing of the OCP and OFCP. Accordingly,the values of capacitors 504, 506 may be adjusted to optimize the timingsequence.

Hydrogen Generation Chamber Configuration

Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown one implementation of hydrogengeneration chamber 110. Hydrogen generation chamber 110 may include atleast one hollow cylindrical anode 302 configured to contain feedstock114. At least one cathode 402 may be positioned within hollowcylindrical anode 302. Cathode 402 may be positioned along alongitudinal centerline (i.e., longitudinal centerline 600) of hollowcylindrical anode 302. Accordingly, hydrogen generation chamber 110 maybe configured as a coaxial hydrogen generation chamber, as cathode 402and hollow cylindrical anode 302 share a common centerline (namelylongitudinal centerline 600).

Cathode 402 may be constructed, at least in part, of tungsten. Forexample, cathode 402 may be a tungsten rod. Hollow cylindrical anode 302may be constructed, at least in part, of graphite. For example, hollowcylindrical anode 302 may be machined from a block of graphite.

Hollow cylindrical anode 302 may have an outer surface 602 and an innersurface 604, wherein the inside diameter (e.g., inside diameter 606) ofhollow cylindrical anode 302 is 2,400% to 2,600% of (i.e., 24-26 timeslarger than) an outside diameter (e.g., outside diameter 608) of cathode402 positioned within hollow cylindrical anode 302. For example and in apreferred embodiment, hollow cylindrical anode 302 may have an insidediameter (i.e., inside diameter 606) of 25.0 millimeters and cathode 402positioned within hollow cylindrical anode 302 may have an outsidediameter (e.g., outside diameter 608) of 1.0 millimeter.

Cathode 402 positioned within hollow cylindrical anode 302 may have alongitudinal length (i.e., longitudinal length 610) that is 190% to 210%of (i.e., 1.9-2.1 times longer than) inside diameter 606 of hollowcylindrical anode 302. For example and in a preferred embodiment,cathode 402 positioned within hollow cylindrical anode 302 may have alongitudinal length of 50.0 millimeters (when hollow cylindrical anode302 has an inside diameter (i.e., inside diameter 606) of 25.0millimeters.

Hydrogen generation chamber 110 may include feedstock recirculationsystem 612. For example and in this particular illustrative embodiment,feedstock 114 may be drawn through first conduit 614 and gas contractor616 and into fuel reservoir 618. Fuel reservoir 618 may serve as apreconditioning zone to maintain feedstock and catalyst concentrationsat desired levels. Feedstock 114 may be pulled through circulation pump620 and then through heat exchanger 622 (to e.g., maintain a desiredtemperature for feedstock 114) and returned to hydrogen generationchamber 110 via conduit 624.

Gas collection system 626 may be coupled to hydrogen generation chamber110 and may be configured to collect hydrogen 112 generated by hydrogengeneration chamber 110 from feedstock 114. In this particularillustrative example, hydrogen 112 may be drawn through conduit 628 byvacuum pump 630, which then may pass through cold trap 632 and flowmeter 634 and into e.g., storage container 636.

In certain implementations, as illustrated in FIG. 9 for example,hydrogen generation chamber 110 may include a plurality of discretechambers. Accordingly, hollow cylindrical anode 302 may include aplurality of hollow cylindrical anodes 302 configured to containfeedstock 114 and cathode 402 may include plurality of cathodes 402 eachof which may be positioned within a corresponding or associated one ofthe plurality of hollow cylindrical anodes 302. Specifically, hydrogengeneration chamber 110 may be configured so as to include multipleanode/cathode pair, thus increasing the production of hydrogen 112. Theplurality of generation chambers may be arranged in varying shapes. Thegeneration chamber of FIG. 9 is cylindrical while that illustrated inFIG. 10 is rectangular for example. The chambers may also be arranged ina plurality of layers with each layer having a plurality of chambers.

General

A method or process in accordance with certain implementations may bedescribed with reference to FIG. 11. Process 1100 may include thegeneration of a driver signal at step 1110. The driver signal may be apulsed DC signal. The driver signal may be processed to generate achamber excitation signal at step 1120. The chamber excitation signalmay applied to a hydrogen generation chamber to generate hydrogen from afeedstock contained within the chamber at 1130. The hydrogen generationchamber include at least one hollow cylindrical anode configured tocontain the feedstock and at least one cathode positioned within the atleast one hollow cylindrical anode.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure.As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Theembodiments chosen and described in order to best explain the principlesof the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others ofordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for variousembodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particularuse contemplated. For example, while hydrogen generation was described,other gases can also be generated including, but not limited to oxygen,carbon, nitrogen, etc. The signal can be applied selectively to thechamber to adjust, increase or decrease the generation of one or more ofthese gases based on a particular application.

A number of implementations have been described. Having thus describedthe disclosure of the present application in detail and by reference toembodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications andvariations are possible without departing from the scope of thedisclosure defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for generating hydrogen, the methodcomprising: generating a driver signal, wherein the driver signal is apulsed DC signal; processing the driver signal to generate a chamberexcitation signal; and applying the chamber excitation signal to ahydrogen generation chamber to generate hydrogen from a feedstockcontained within the chamber wherein the hydrogen generation chamberincludes: at least one hollow cylindrical anode configured to containthe feedstock, and at least one cathode positioned within the at leastone hollow cylindrical anode.